The term Ayurveda originates in Sanskrit and combines the two words life “Ayur” and science “Veda.” By definition, Ayurveda teachings are about preserving the health of the well and treating the sick. Ayurveda utilizes centuries-old experiences and make them usable for people until today. Ayurveda is based on three life principles, the “Doshas”: “Vata” (wind), “Pitta” (fire), and “Kapha” (water). It is understood that every human being commands two of the Doshas, which define their attitude towards life. When these are off-balance, Ayurveda will help to harmonize them. Stress-management, improvement of physical performance, and devotion toward nature are core goals of Ayurvedic therapy. A sustainable lifestyle is a healthy, in harmony with nature, way of life. Several of the Green Pearls®’ partners have integrated Ayurvedic teachings into their kitchens and wellness areas. These five Ayurveda hotels worldwide show how to approach the subject in different ways. Whether in its country of origin India, on the Maldives, in ancient Ceylon, nearby amid Brandenburg, or at 1,044 meters on the Allgäuer mountains – there are many places where a traveler can, by the means of Ayurveda, harmonize body, mind, and soul.

Back to the Roots

Wellness and well-being are integral parts of the experience at the CGH Earth Hotels, including the Coconut Lagoon. The eco-resort, exclusively accessible by boat, is situate in Kuttanad, a labyrinth of deep green canals, rivers, and lagoons. Guests relax during walks through the butterfly garden, while taking a boat tour, or in the Ayurvedic wellness center. Only trained personnel performs treatments under medical supervision. The guest can choose between different therapies depending on what symptoms should be treated. “Dhara,” an essence of herbal oils and a special buttermilk, is drizzled on the forehead to alleviate stress, help with skin problems, and insomnia. Recommended are treatments from seven to 21 days. “Pizhichil” is a special massage with herbal oils to treat rheumatic ailments.

On the Way to More Vitality and Health

In the heart of the Lausitzer Seenplatte (lake district), at the shore of the Senftenberger See, the 4-star-superior Wellnesshotel Seeschlößchen is specialized on sustainable health. It is the first hotel in the German state of Brandenburg with the Brandenburger Umweltsiegel (environmental certificate). Since 1999, the wellness resort is privately owned by the Zander family, who invest all of their heart in the hotel. Authentic, original treatments as well as a healthy diet according to Ayurvedic principles are paramount at the sustainable oasis of pampering. The therapists at the Seeschlößchen work with warm, medicated oils. The base oil is cooked with different herbs for several hours, or even days, to develop its healing effects. The Ayurveda doctor selects the oils carefully, according to the guest’s physique, current state of health, and desired effect. Further treatments are, for example, the “Garshan,” a massage with silk gloves, virtually without any massage oils or creams, that promises good result for cellulitis.

Ayurveda on the Maldives

No news, no shoes! This philosophy is already implemented on the boot to the resort, the shoes are wrapped in bags and collected. The eco-friendly luxurious resort Gili Lankanfushi is a place of total relaxation and positive energy, embedded in the island paradise at the heart of the Indian Ocean. While in the resort, guests start their days with an Ayurveda boost – an Ayurvedic drink is part of the breakfast buffet. The selection of tonics is vast, there are those to improve balance, increase energy, for inner cleansing, for the heart, or as a detoxification. The team of experts offers different Ayurveda treatments. “Abhyanga” is a Ayurvedic full-body oil massage to bring the body and soul back into balance. “Shirodhara” is used to treat paranasal sinuses, allergic rhinitis, insomnia, and hearing impairments. For twenty minutes warm oil is drizzled on the guest’s forehead.

Climb Up to Come Down

Balderschwang is deemed to be the smallest, independent municipality of Bavaria at 1,044 meters. Here, the HUBERTUS Alpin Lodge & Spa unites traditional, local, and authentic focus with straight-line architecture and a holistic wellness concept. The HUBERTUS Alpin Lodge & Spa calls it “Alpyurveda” and combines the native plant-based oils of gentian and arnica with Indian massage techniques. But the praxis of Ayurveda is not only one of different treatments, it is more a holistic detox concept, where old, natural therapies like TCM and Ayurvedic medicine are combined with gentle detoxification. Health awareness and mindfulness are crucial for vitality, mental strength, and beauty. On the agenda are also, for example, different treatment techniques like liver wraps and herbal teas for a gentle detox. Another essential building block is the food.

The resort conveys as a deeper understanding of the effect of nutrition, as Hippokrates once said: “Let food be thy medicine and thy medicine be food.”

Healing in Paradise

Sri Lanka is one of the ultimate wellness and Ayurveda destinations in the Indian Ocean. One of the top addresses is the eco-friendly Amaya Beach Resort & Spa at the Eastern side of the island nation. A sunny spot amid a white, sandy coast and lush, tropical gardens. Guests choose from different Ayurveda retreats: Beginners should choose the seven-day “Vishuddhi” – a treatment of deep-seated toxins, which are eliminated within the scope of disease prevention and inner cleansing. The in-house Ayurveda doctor and multiple therapists take care of massages and treatments in a total of nine treatment rooms and outdoor tubs, especially for Ayurvedic baths, and help the guests to leave the resort completely relaxed and freshly vitalized.

The German Green Pearls GmbH with place of business in Darmstadt, Germany unifies international tourism companies that support environmental protection and demonstrate social commitment. Thereby, Green Pearls is the first holding company worldwide that consolidates sustainable hotels, destinations and restaurants in a global data source.

Among the criteria of admission to Green Pearls® Unique Places, are a sustainability plan on management level, sustainable architecture, comprehensive water, energy saving and waste recovery measures, the use of seasonal and regional ingredients in the kitchen, as well as a large commitment for the social balance in each of the vacation regions.